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As a Libertarian I have often been accused of “not caring about people”.

Yes; I oppose government social programs. Yes; I oppose taking by force from those “that do” to buy political favor from those that “cannot” or “do not”. How many can say they have never voted based on racist, sexist, or monetary motives. I can. Party of Principle after all……. Right now in York we face the consequences of too many people’s motivations when voting. We Libertarians have long stated that charity belongs in the private sector. I and others have time and time again called out government corruption giftwrapped in the illusions of giving, charity, and hope.

Mayor C. Kim Bracey Forces Permit Fees On Charity Event

“The safest way to make laws respected is to make them respectable.” • Bastiat

For the second time in as many years, the City of York stands as a barrier between a charitable organization and the people it works to serve.

York mayor Kim Bracey has ordered 2011 City of York Humanitarian Award recipient Bobby Brunner to pay a $35 permit fee (along with all other applicable fees) in order to be able to pass out food and donated items to the needy during a planned Sept. 6th giveaway.

Some of you may know the mild-mannered, soft-spoken hot dog vendor that has tended to the appetites of city-slickers, county residents and workers for the past three and a half years. In the very near future, Mr. Borodin’s business may no longer be in operation.

Due to the City of York’s arbitrary and unnecessarily complicated street vendor licensing schemes, DKMI Best Hot Dogs does not know its future. Through no fault of his own, and by no action or condition of the marketplace, Mr. Borodin’s business venture may come to an abrupt end – by the simple stroke of a bureaucrat’s pen.

It’s definitely election season. With municipal offices up for grabs, local bureaucrats are once again practicing the art of ‘being seen’ while touting various city projects as successes. It’s the political iteration of smoke and mirrors; the use of unproven, newly-minted initiatives to obfuscate and deflect criticism from years of failed, negligent policies.

Chik-Fil-A COO Dan Cathy has made headlines, again. He’s pretty well-known for his strong opinions and socially conservative belief system. This time, some governments are holding his opinions against him, in the name of equality. Ridiculous, I know.

If Chik-Fil-A business suffers or grows as a consequence of Cathy’s comments, it should be at the hands of the consumers. Let the people decide whether or not they wish to patronize the restaurant. You never know which set of beliefs the government may seize on next. It could be yours. Needless to say, it would be dangerous to allow the government to engage in such paternalistic oversight.